Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kevin Stock. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Kevin, thanks for joining us today. Do you feel you or your work has ever been misunderstood or mischaracterized? If so, tell us the story and how/why it happened and if there are any interesting learnings or insights you took from the experience?

I’ve long been the embodiment of a quintessential “man’s man.” Raised amidst the boundless horizons of a small Midwestern town, my formative years on a farm nurtured a profound love for sports and a rugged sense of identity. The Navy became my post-graduation path, a trajectory that couldn’t have been further from the conventional notions of a “poet” or “artist,” let alone a “painter,” right? At least that’s the premise I clung to when I first ventured into the realm of poetry, and later, when I dipped my brush into the world of painting.

Undoubtedly, my upbringing played a pivotal role in shaping these perceptions. Yet, it wasn’t merely external influences—it was also a shield, a means of self-preservation against the nagging fears that, perhaps, I wouldn’t measure up as a genuine poet or painter. Concealing my creativity allowed me to sidestep vulnerability, to escape the potential for hurt. This covert stance enabled me to safeguard the facade I had carefully crafted. Consequently, my poems, my prose, my art, my canvases—these remained shrouded in secrecy for the better part of my existence.

I embodied an archetype, one that met the eye of the beholder without question. However, that’s only one facet of my being. An invisible yet profound duality resides within me—one that’s just as authentic. I’ve learned to embrace this multifaceted me. I can revel in the camaraderie of sports and the grit of combat while also immersing myself in the world of poetry, art, and creativity, regardless of perceived norms. My passions coalesce harmoniously; my fervor for both stereotypically “masculine” and “feminine” interests is unwavering.

The preoccupation with others’ perceptions has gradually receded from my mindset. Today, I prioritize authenticity over external judgments. In the present, my goal is simple: to unapologetically be myself. I revel in the eclectic blend of qualities that define me—no longer constrained by rigid notions of masculinity or femininity. It’s a journey of liberation, one that underscores my ability to embrace all that I am, all that I love, with unreserved passion.

Kevin, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I am a multifaceted individual, a fusion of a poet, a painter, and an athlete, mixed with the experiences of a Navy veteran and the commitments of a dedicated family man. I embody a myriad of roles, each pursued with a fervent aspiration for excellence.

My earliest artistic pursuit sprouted from the fertile soil of my love for literature. An ardent reader from my youth, I devoured every piece of writing that crossed my path. At the tender age of seven, a classroom assignment tasked me with crafting a poem. Initially, I grappled with the notion, as my perception of poetry was entangled with notions of femininity. Nevertheless, I embarked on this creative journey, penning verses for a young girl who had captured my admiration. Despite my inexperienced hand at verse, those words resonated with her, leading to a cherished kiss on my cheek—an indelible memory from my seven-year-old self. From that moment, my poetic journey took root, and over the span of years, it has grown into a flourishing forest of thousands of poems. Presently, I curate a blog on tumblr.com, followed and embraced by over 94,000 kindred spirits, coalescing in what we fondly term the Tumblr Writing Community (TWC).

Painting emerged as a bloom of my creativity much later in life, unfolding its petals in the summer of last year (2022). A distant friend, once an artist, rekindled his artistic flame after years of dormancy, igniting a spark within me. Drawn to his remarkable creations, I found myself unexpectedly inspired and determined to embark upon a painting venture. A quick reality check, however, revealed that traditional painting demanded an arsenal of supplies and tools. Pragmatism suggested restraint, yet destiny intervened in the form of an Oculus Quest II—a modern marvel that led me to the realm of Vermillion Paint. This virtual atelier became my sanctuary, enabling me to explore the art of painting without the physical constraints. With a virtual canvas and an array of digital brushes, I found myself captivated, replicating the tactile sensations of traditional brushstrokes and canvas textures with astonishing reality. Dedication and countless hours of practice propelled me from a novice to a practitioner whose digital canvases often confounded viewers, blurring the line between virtual and tangible artistry.

My recognition as a painter derives from my deliberate pursuit of authenticity, a desire to infuse my digital creations with the soul of human craftsmanship. Amidst the sea of hyperrealistic digital works and abstract expressions, I chose a path imbued with a genuine painterly essence—where imperfections weave with passion, and heartbeats echo in each brushstroke. In a world where artificial intelligence threatens to overshadow genuine human creativity, I remain steadfast in my commitment to crafting digital works that evoke the spirit of genuine art.

We’d love to hear your thoughts on NFTs. (Note: this is for education/entertainment purposes only, readers should not construe this as advice)

NFTs have sparked my curiosity, yet I find myself grappling with their concept on multiple levels. Firstly, my familiarity with NFTs is limited, and comprehending the notion of virtual artistry and intangible creations presents a unique challenge. Paradoxically, as a digital artist, I wrestle with wrapping my mind around these concepts. I’ve encountered interest from NFT collectors keen on acquiring my artwork, prompting me to delve deeply into the intricacies of the process and its financial dimensions. Nevertheless, given its novelty, a myriad of unanswered questions linger, deterring me from taking the step to offer my creations as NFTs.

The financial facet of NFTs constitutes my second quandary. Determining a fair pricing strategy proves elusive amid the volatile valuation of digital currencies. The uncertainty surrounding potential returns complicates matters further, intensifying the haze of the unknowns I grapple with.

A third question centers on the motivations of NFT collectors. I’m left pondering the eventual fate of my art pieces—where and how will they be exhibited? The absence of prominent digital art museums in my virtual reality explorations leaves me questioning their existence and prospects.

I am inclined to believe that NFTs will inevitably assimilate into the mainstream fabric, particularly as we transition towards a VR-dominated world, be it gradually or abruptly. Yet, I admit to my hesitation, stemming from my status as an “old dog” reluctant to learn new tricks, even in an evolving digital landscape.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

I find that the most enriching aspect of being an artist, regardless of the medium I engage with, lies in observing the impact of my creation on other individuals. Witnessing a smile grace someone’s face as they gaze upon my artwork, or witnessing tears well up in their eyes while reading my poetry, encapsulates a reward that transcends monetary valuation. My creative endeavors resonate with others, often in ways that I hadn’t foreseen. A recent project of mine, “One Red Balloon,” stands as a testament to this phenomenon. Initially conceived as lighthearted paintings meant to elicit smiles, these pieces have surprisingly evoked responses of heartache, grief, mortality, and poignant recollections. The unexpected depth of emotional resonance has been both humbling and gratifying. This, to me, embodies the true essence of artistic expression—a profound connection with the audience. This connection, whether it evokes smiles or tears, holds infinitely more value than any financial compensation could.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.tumblr.com/takingstockofwhatmattersmost
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/takingstockofwhatmattersmost/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100084129769676
• Other: https://www.facebook.com/stoxback/

Image Credits
All images are the creation of Mr. Kevin Stock